A perfect sunset spreads across Kamala Bay with psychedelic tendrils raking the western sky while balls of soft lightning explode within gathering rain clouds on the island?s mountainous spine, presaging rain perhaps?

Andrew Whitaker is clad in flowing white shirt and pants and positively bounds along the 40 metre poolside to meet me. I am reminded of a fit-looking New Age guru taking the podium before an amphitheatre of adoring acolytes, or a successful ?lifestyle coach?, which of course in many ways is exactly what Andrew is.

Sipping chilled Sauvignon Blanc in one of Phuket?s most famous eateries, the remodeled ?Silk?, now situated poolside at the new Andara Resort and Spa, it?s hard not to be impressed. And so I am.

What does it feel like to have the best job in the world?
(Laughs) You?re right. I do feel immensely privileged to be taking on this job in such a wonderful new property and at this time in Phuket. I think the market is ripe for the launch of a superb new top end resort and spa. It?s a sector of the market that is by no means cluttered. Certainly Amanpuri, Trisara and the like have pioneered, but despite the economic turmoil, the sector is burgeoning and there?s a large and growing audience of high net worth, high-taste, high-expectation residents and visitors to whom we offer exactly what they seek.

Phuket in 2010 is also a great place to launch. Connectivity, air routes and frequencies are taking a massive leap forward, and the future expansion of the airport plus ideas like a private jet terminal and parking, are grist to our particular clients? mill.
Increasingly we are seeing wealthy escapees from the congested and polluted cities of mid Asia and China wanting to establish homes in Phuket and even moving their families and children to be educated here, while they commute in and out each weekend.

Phuket has always been a happily ?democratic? island in terms of in-bound tourists being able to find whatever level of experience and price bracket suits them?.from back-packers to millionaires. Within that the extreme high-end sector is witnessing the development of infrastructure, entertainment, F&B, maritime and other sports services to match the highest global standards. The future looks bright.

What?s it like working for Allan Zeman?
Allan is a wonderful boss as he is totally supportive, always accessible and very involved in everything we are doing at Andara. In many ways the resort is a manifestation of Allan?s own vision and tastes. The Hong Kong architect, Branko Pahor, who also designed Allan?s own home ? Chandara, just north of here ? and Surin Plaza, was the architect for Andara.

I think the fact that Andara has already hit the coveted Conde Nast Traveler Hot List for 2010, so soon after our opening in December, is a great endorsement of Allan?s vision and the intensity of his personal drive for excellence.

Tell us about the business model for the resort.
The model is a common one around the Andaman, with owners buying the 26 residential pool villas and 37 residential suites prior to final construction. They then had the option of entering the rental pool for the time when they are not using their residence personally, with Andara managing their property for them as part of the ongoing resort. As I say, it?s a common model but I think the big difference was the fact that this was a development of Allan?s, which meant that people had faith that it would be executed and managed to the very highest standards. The villas and residences were quickly sold out and so the resort has been well financed from day one.

What are some of the true sybaritic touches that make Andara different?
I think the whole development is full of examples of state of the art excellence. Obviously the location is sensational overlooking Kamala Bay and the Andaman. Every villa has a full time housekeeper and chef to attend to all the guests? or owners needs, including meal planning and cooking in the superbly equipped private kitchens.

We also own and operate two magnificent Baglietto Italian-designed motor yachts, which are available for private charter.?The yachts have been exquisitely customised to match our standards, offering the same level of luxury, comfort and service of the resort.
Finally, I was going to ask Andrew why they chose to relocate Silk restaurant, which had already established itself as a Phuket icon on the top floor of Surin Plaza. But when I saw the stunning new location beside the resort?s sensational pool overlooking Kamala Beach and now offering true outdoor luxury dining, as well as the old Silk indoor ambience, I realised this was a bit of a redundant question. So I kept quiet.
www.andaraphuket.com